Blake Trade Defended in Club’s Letter to Fans

The Kings sent a letter to their season-ticket holders last week to defend their Feb. 22 trade of Rob Blake and Steven Reinprecht to the Colorado Avalanche for Adam Deadmarsh, Aaron Miller, two draft picks and a prospect.

The missive, signed by King President Tim Leiweke and General Manager Dave Taylor and addressed “Dear Kings Ticket Holders,” reiterated management’s contention that the team needed gritty, young players and must show fiscal responsibility in order to avoid further raising ticket prices.

“On behalf of the entire Kings organization, I want to extend both apologies and thanks concerning the Rob Blake situation,” it began. “Apologies for the distraction and tension it created for our team and our fans and sincere thanks for your patience and consideration concerning our position.”

The letter assured fans “our commitment to winning does not end with Rob’s departure,” and said an expanded scouting staff will help the Kings pick the most promising prospect and draft picks.

“We are confident that this will produce a top young forward that will have a chance to play for the Kings in the next few years and have a long and productive NHL career,” it said. “This trade also frees up dollars that can be utilized in acquiring additional talent this summer through trades and free agency. . . . If we do our job, this trade could result in the addition of five, six or even seven good players to our roster in the next few years.”

While acknowledging that some fans thought the team suffered when it refused to meet Blake’s $9.6-million annual price, Leiweke and Taylor didn’t waver. “Our philosophy evolves around the wise expenditure of money as opposed to spending the most money,” the letter said. “It is about building a successful team for years to come with great draft choices, great development systems, great coaches, scouts and hockey personnel who all share a passion and commitment to the common goal. . . . This trade is not and will not be a step backward for our hockey club. Time will prove our commitment and our passion is still there.”

Although some fans said they would cancel season tickets after the trade, none has done so, club spokesman Mike Altieri said.

*

Defenseman Aki Berg made a rare appearance Tuesday, replacing fellow Finn Jere Karalahti. Berg, drafted third overall by the Kings in 1995, was scratched for eight of the previous nine games. His name has come up in trade rumors, but Coach Andy Murray said this wasn’t Berg’s last chance.

“Aki knows the big thing is his consistency,” Murray said. “He’s played some good games for us. . . . Unfortunately, he played some bad games and we changed the team and got better. We need him to show the ability to make decisions with the puck and do things that are constructive for our team.”

*

Snow in the northeast delayed Stephane Fiset’s return to the nets on a rehabilitation assignment with Lowell (Mass.) of the American Hockey League, but he was scheduled to practice and play today. . . . Defenseman Mathieu Schneider (groin strain) skated Tuesday but isn’t ready to return.